A flattish start is made less than straightforward with an altitude of 2,900m. After crossing the Chitu River the crux of the race begins. Passing by a small charming village, runners hit single track which hugs the glacier-fed river for 12 km. After 1 km the first glimpse of the Chonggu Temple appears at 4,000m altitude which will host the finish on the runners’ return. Dirt trail climbs through colourful forest for 1 km before revealing the most technical section of the race. Four tough kilometres climb are rewarded with the fantastic col at the top of the race strewn with mulit-coloured Buddhist prayer flags. Here runners will have hit an altitude of 4,700m, the highest race on the Series. From here, the fun descent back to the Chonggu Temple finish line.